Those who haven't seen any puppets since watching "Sesame Street" and "The Muppets" might be in for a surprise upon seeing "States of Grace." The play shows that not all entertainment starring characters made out of felt, cloth and cardboard is geared toward third graders.
The play uses puppets, actors, music and a very artistic set design to tell a story and convey important messages about social injustice, citizenship and political activism. The play was created and will be performed by the Underground Railway Theater, a group created in 1976 that endeavors to connect professional theater to the community. However, without the support of Tufts University, the show may never have been possible.
The Jonathan Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service decided to grant "States of Grace" residency in 2006, meaning that Tufts agreed to sponsor the show, and in return the professionals working on "States of Grace" agreed to be available as guest instructors for professors teaching subjects including theater, sociology and peace and justice studies.
"We were sharing with students how theater can be used to investigate social issues," said Debra Wise, the artistic director for Underground Railway Theater. Wise was instrumental in the creation of "States of Grace" and has remained an active participant ever since its beginning. She appears on stage in the role of the show's main character, Faith.
One reason Tisch College chose to sponsor "States of Grace" is its basis in the work of Grace Paley, a writer who arguably exemplifies involved citizenship and social activism.
Paley, born in 1922, has written many short stories and has been an outspoken advocate for peace and demilitarization. She has won many accolades for her work, including being named a finalist for the National Book Award in 1994 for her "Collected Stories." Her stories provide the foundation for "States of Grace" and her reappearing protagonist, Faith, is the main character.
The show takes place one imagined night as Faith is sitting before her typewriter, attempting to begin a poem about the meaning of happiness. As any college student knows, besides the stomach flu, the brownies in the dining hall or finding someone else's hair in the shower, there are very few things worse than trying to write when feeling completely uninspired.
"It's not writer's block," Wise said of her character. "She simply can't connect with joy in this free and open way because the worries of the world keep intruding."
Before Faith begins banging her head against the wall trying to finish her poem, the audience is introduced to a series of puppets. Her kitchen comes to life, and the show's plot branches out into various stories.
Though the mention of puppets may ignite memories of Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, Wise assures us that States of Grace is an "absolutely adult play."
The show is used to examine several controversial social concerns that are prevalent in everyday life, giving it a broad appeal. "[States of Grace] will draw in anyone interested in politics, writing, puppetry and visual arts," Wise said. Though Wise wouldn't elaborate on the show's plot, she mentioned previous plays produced by Underground Railroad Theater that involved issues including homelessness, environmental justice and abortion rights.
The artistic aspect of "States of Grace" is particularly promising. The set includes a large mural representing a dream version of New York City. "The whole of this is very surreal," Wise said. "It's like a waking dream."
Dreaming or waking, the cast and crew of "States of Grace" plan to complete a nationwide tour after performing at Tufts, though this does not mean their connection to the university will be forgotten.
"[This play] is a real tribute to the breadth of vision of Tufts and Tisch," Wise said. "Through the support of art forms that communicate important issues, Tufts University will remain present in the minds of many people and serve to educate more people than are enrolled."
